RSNA Member Spotlight: Refky Nicola, MSc, DO

Refky Nicola, MSc, DO, is an abdominal radiologist at SUNY Upstate Medical University, and an associate professor of radiology at the Norton College of Medicine, both in Syracuse, NY. Dr. Nicola earned his master’s degree in biomedical science from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, and his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his radiology residency at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ.  

Dr. Nicola is currently an assistant editor for both the RSNA Radiology and RadioGraphics journal podcasts. He also serves as the RadioGraphics GU panel, RSNA Educational Exhibit Award panel for multisystem and is a member of the American Board of Radiology Online Longitudinal Assessment emergency radiology section.

Dr. Nicola’s clinical interests are genitourinary and gynecological radiology, as well as health care policy and practice. Dedicated to the progress of organized radiology, Dr. Nicola is focused on increasing his contributions to the field through national and international collaborations through organizations including RSNA, the Society of Abdominal Radiology and the European Society of Urogenital Radiology.

What or who sparked your interest in radiology?

As a medical student, I was fascinated by how much radiology had such a strong impact on the care of every patient in the hospital. Physicians from every specialty came to seek the opinion of a radiologist. We have such a critical and profound effect on every patient.

Also, I enjoyed the technological advances in radiology and was amazed to see how fast the specialty was moving to enhance and improve patient care.

What has been your best professional accomplishment?

While I hope to have a long and successful academic career, one of my most exciting professional accomplishments is being invited to serve on the RadioGraphics GU panel. It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to work with the most accomplished radiologists in the GU field. Additionally, being a speaker and moderator at RSNA on a topic I am passionate about is always a tremendous privilege.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

One of the biggest and hardest challenges in building my career is finding great mentors. People who genuinely care about your well-being and academic success. I am indebted to many people who have supported me throughout my career and continue to support me.

Currently, one of my biggest challenges is being the radiology service chief for one of our community hospitals. I am learning every day how to become an effective leader. This requires perseverance, patience and optimism.

What RSNA resources do you enjoy using?

I have utilized several of the RSNA resources such as the journals, especially Radiology and RadioGraphics, but I have also taken advantage of watching a lot of the RSNA lectures online via the EdCentral app.